Nicotine chewing gum

What is this medicine?

NICOTINE (NIK oh teen) helps people stop smoking. This medicine replaces the nicotine found in cigarettes and helps to decrease withdrawal effects. It is most effective when used in combination with a stop-smoking program.

How should I use this medicine?

Chew but do not swallow the gum. Follow the directions that come with the chewing gum. Use exactly as directed. When you feel an urgent desire for a cigarette, chew one piece of gum slowly. Continue chewing until you taste the gum or feel a slight tingling in your mouth. Then, stop chewing and place the gum between your cheek and gum. Wait until the taste or tingling is almost gone then start chewing again. Continue chewing in this manner for about 30 minutes. Slow chewing helps reduce cravings and also helps reduce the chance for heartburn or other gastrointestinal side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

blisters in mouth

breathing problems

changes in hearing

changes in vision

chest pain

cold sweats

confusion

fast, irregular heartbeat

feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

headache

increased saliva

nausea, vomiting

stomach pain

weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

diarrhea

dry mouth

hiccups

irritability

nervousness or restlessness

trouble sleeping or vivid dreams

What may interact with this medicine?

medicines for asthma

medicines for blood pressure

medicines for mental depression

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. Only use the chewing gum when you have a strong desire to smoke. Do not use more than one piece of gum at a time.

Where should I keep my medicine?

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

diabetes

heart disease, angina, irregular heartbeat or previous heart attack

high blood pressure

lung disease, including asthma

overactive thyroid

pheochromocytoma

seizures or history of seizures

stomach problems or ulcers

an unusual or allergic reaction to nicotine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Always carry the nicotine gum with you. Do not use more than 30 pieces of gum a day. Too much gum can increase the risk of an overdose. As the urge to smoke gets less, gradually reduce the number of pieces each day over a period of 2 to 3 months. When you are only using 1 or 2 pieces a day, stop using the nicotine gum.

You should begin using the nicotine gum the day you stop smoking. It is okay if you do not succeed with the attempt to quit and have a cigarette. You can still continue your quit attempt and keep using the product as directed. Just throw away your cigarettes and get back to your quit plan.

If your mouth gets sore from chewing the gum, suck hard sugarless candy between pieces of gum to help relieve the soreness. Brush your teeth regularly to reduce mouth irritation. If you wear dentures, contact your doctor or health care professional if the gum sticks to your dental work.

If you are a diabetic and you quit smoking, the effects of insulin may be increased and you may need to reduce your insulin dose. Check with your doctor or health care professional about how you should adjust your insulin dose.